Ness has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to genre exploration, but this is a truly magnificent piece of fiction. The concept is striking, the characters compelling, and the story enthralling. Even for Ness, this is a singular effort." -- Booklist (starred review) "The densely layered, expertly paced plot builds and twists while revealing an alternate universe that cunningly echoes our world and its history." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Ness brings together history, fantasy, and science fiction in one masterful stroke, interweaving the tropes of each genre to create a unique blend that offers readers an unpredictable but impeccably paced mind trip." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) "Exciting, nonstop action and gloriously varied twists in the narrative will keep readers guessing all the way through to the breathless ending." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "This fast-paced narrative has elements of alternate history, fantasy, multiverse, and apocalyptic literature. The many plot twists and multiple perspectives create an intensity that makes this a page-turner.

A gripping, powerful novel of courage and resilience." -- Kirkus Reviews "A wild ride of fanaticism, redemption, assasins and dragon-worshippers. Mind-bending in the best possible way." -- The Observer (London) "Ness brilliantly juggles these multi-layered themes and twisting plot lines while creating a world where dragons are as richly imagined as humans and engage our emotions just as forcefully. He is a remarkable talent." -- Daily Mail (UK) "Ness's engrossing historical-fantasy adventure is at once accessible and complex, tackling both human issues--racism.war, religion--and grand fantasy action with skill." -- Horn Book Magazine.